Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) will have his skills tested in the upcoming installment of the CBS procedural series "NCIS: Los Angeles."

TV Fanatic reports that season 7 will throw the former Navy SEAL into the deep end, as he faces his toughest case yet. In an interview, series creator Shane Brennan teased about the major storyline they were lining up for LL Cool J's character.

"Sam will be confronted with his most difficult case, the most difficult situation he's ever been in as an agent or as a SEAL. It has big repercussions. That's all I'm going to say. That's towards the end of the season," Brennan said.

It appears that viewers will see a different aspect of one of the most stable agents on Hetty's (Linda Hunt) crew. In the past, most of Sam's struggles have revolved around his wife and children, his dear friend and partner Callen (Chris O'Donnell), and his SEAL connections. What kind of hurdle will he be facing this time around that will need all his cunning to surpass?

Producer R. Scott Gemmill has previously told The Hollywood Reporter that almost all of the characters will have their share of spotlight in the upcoming season.

"This season is fun because every character has a really challenging episode at some point. We think of this season as a lot of tent poles, in terms of characters getting their day in the sun," the producer said.

Meanwhile, CBS has released the official synopsis/spoilers for the new installment. According to Cartermatt, the premiere episode will see Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agent Talia Del Campo (Mercedes Masöhn) seeking the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) team in Los Angeles. Her partner is reportedly murdered and she needs help to flush out the killer.

Elsewhere, Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) will surprise Kensi (Daniela Ruah) by introducing her to his mother (Pamela Reed). The latter has been steadily worrying that Deeks is hiding something from her. It turns out she need not be concerned, as he is only setting up a meeting with his mother. But on second thoughts, perhaps she should be.

"NCIS: Los Angeles" returns on Monday, Sept. 21, at 10 p.m. EST on CBS.